“Forced to resign from the Army for excessive drinking, he failed as a farmer and a businessman. Not until he volunteered for the Civil War did things change. He was promoted to brigadier general, captured Fort Henry and Vicksburg, and won Union control of the Mississippi. Lincoln placed him over the entire Army and within a year he forced Lee to surrender. His name was Ulysses S. Grant, born APRIL 27, 1822. As 18th President, Grant stated: “It seems fitting that on the occurrence of the hundredth anniversary of our existence as a nation, a grateful acknowledgment should be made to Almighty God for the protection and the bounties which He has vouchsafed to our beloved country.” In his 2nd Annual Message, December 5, 1870, Ulysses S. Grant wrote: “Such religious denominations as had heretofore established missionaries among the Indians, and perhaps to some other denominations who would undertake the work on the same terms-i.e., as a missionary work…The societies selected are allowed to name their own agents…and are expected to watch over them and aid them as missionaries, to Christianize and civilize the Indians, and to train him in the arts of peace.”" Source: William J Federer’s American Minute

As an adjunct to my previous post, the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation is offering two-hour tours of eagle watching at the Lost Mound Unit of the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge just north of Savanna,IL (at the former army depot property). These tours will be offered on Saturdays from January 31 throughout March 7, 2009 starting at 9:00AM. Group size is very limited, so advanced reservations are required. A donation of $10.00 per person (school age children are free if accompanied by one adult). For reservations call the Jo Daviess Conservation Foundation at 815-858-9100 or email christie@dcf.org.

Bald Eagles normally winter in large numbers along the Upper Mississippi River. At 8:00 am on selected Saturday mornings from mid-January to the end of February The Eagle Nature Foundation conducts 4 hour bus tours from Galena, IL. This has allowed tour participants to enjoy from 30 to 350 bald eagles during a single bus tour. The cost for this tour is $75.00 for adult seats and $50.00 for children seats. You can email: eaglenature.tni@juno.com or call 815-594-2306 for further information. You can also check their website at www.eaglenature.com.